Overview

Zohr is the prayer after midday (but before the shadow of the sun becomes twice its length from midday.) Performed daily by practicing Muslims, it is the second of the five daily prayers (Salah). The five daily prayers collectively are one of the Five Pillars of Islam in Sunni Islam, and one of the ten Practices of the Religion (Furū al-Dīn) according to Shia Islam. It is reduced to two rak'ahs when traveling.

In both types of Islam, four raka'ah are required (Fard) and are prayed silentl1 . However, in Sunni Islam, four raka'ah prior to the Fard raka'ah and two raka'ah following the Fard raka'ah are highly recommended.

Time

Once the Sun has crossed the celestial meridian (true noon), exactly halfway between sunrise and sunset. This is when the Sun is at the highest point in the sky and a little after that. The time ends when Asr prayer begins.

Number of Rakahs

• 4 Fard
• 4 Sunnah before the 4 Fard

Video - How to pray

Other facts

• On Friday the Zohr prayer is replaced by Jumu'ah, which is obligatory for all Muslim males above the age of puberty who are resident and without a legitimate excuse.

Hadith quotes

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him used to pray four rak'ats when the sun began to descend before the Zohr prayer. He said, 'It is an hour in which the gates of heaven are opened and I want a righteous action to ascend for me in it.'"At-Tirmidhi, Narrated by Abdullah ibn as-Sa'ib

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him did not pray four rak'ats before Zohr, he would pray them after it.'At-Tirmidhi, Narrated by Aisha

"I prayed with the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him two rak'ats before Zohr and two rak'ats after it."'Narrated by Ibn Umar